The Fourth of July is a special time for us canines. What is the most commonly served food? Hot dog. Not to mention the Nathan’s hot dog eating contest (ugh). It comes in the middle of summer’s dog days when many of us are dog tired. And it is widely thought that America’s founders dedicated the country to none other than the dog star Sirius (Canus Major).

And whose beloved dogs were named Sweet Lips, Venus, and Truelove? George Washington.